[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 97 (Thursday, May 20, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27472-27476]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-12173]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
47 CFR Parts 17 and 87
[WT Docket No. 96-211, FCC 99-40]
Use of 112-118 MHz for Differential Global Positioning System
(GPS) Correction Data and the Use of Hand-Held Transmitters on
Frequencies in the Aeronautical Enroute Service
AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This Report and Order (R&O) amends the Commission's rules
regarding the use of 112-118 MHz for differential Global Positioning
System (GPS) correction data, the use of hand-held transmitters on
frequencies in the Aeronautical Enroute Service, and to update Part 17
of our rules to incorporate by reference two recently revised FAA
Advisory Circulars. These amendments were adopted in response to
petitions for rule making filed by the Federal Aviation Administration
and the Aeronautical Radio, Inc. The effect of these amendments would
increase aircraft and airport safety and facilitate the efficient use
of aeronautical radio spectrum.
DATES: These regulations are effective May 20, 1999. The incorporation
by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is
approved by the Director of Federal Register May 20, 1999.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Shaffer of the Commission's
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau at (202) 418-0680 or via email at
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's R&O,
FCC 99-40, adopted February 25, 1999, and released March 3, 1999. The
full text of this Report and Order is available for inspection and
copying during normal business hours in the FCC Reference Center, Room
246, 1919 M Street N.W. Washington, D.C. The complete text may be
purchased from the Commission's copy contractor, ITS, Inc., 1231 20th
St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, telephone (202) 857-3800.
Summary of R&O
1. This R&O amends Part 87 of our rules to permit aeronautical
ground stations to use frequencies in the 112-118 MHz band to transmit
differential Global Positioning System (GPS) information to aircraft
equipped to use advanced landing systems in response to a petition for
rule making filed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This
R&O also allows the use of hand-held radios for direct communications
between ground service personnel and flight crews on frequencies
allocated to the Aeronautical Enroute Service in response to a petition
for rule making filed by Aeronautical Radio, Inc. (ARINC). Finally,
this R&O updates part 17 of our rules to incorporate by reference two
recently revised FAA Advisory Circulars. The actions will increase the
safety and efficiency of aircraft navigation and movement of aircraft
in and around airports. Further, these amends should promote the use of
new radio technologies beneficial to aircraft without allocating
additional spectrum.
Administrative Matters
Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
2. As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 603
(RFA), Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analyses (IRFA) were incorporated
in the Notice of Proposed Rule Makings WT Docket 96-1 and WT Docket 96-
211.1 The Commission sought written public comments on the
proposals in the Unicom NPRM and Aviation Safety NPRM, including on the
IRFA. The Commission's Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (FRFA) in
this Report and Order conforms to the RFA, as amended by the Contract
With America Advancement Act of 1996.2
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Amendment of Part 87 of the Commission's Rules to Permit
Automatic Operation of Aeronautical Advisory Stations (Unicoms), WT
Docket 96-1, Notice of Proposed Rule Making, 11 FCC Rcd 1084 (1996),
61 FR 8905, (March 6, 1996), (Unicom NPRM); Amendment of part 87 to
Permit the Use of 112-118 MHz for Differential Global Positioning
System (GPS) Correction Data and the Use of Hand-held Transmitters
on Frequencies in the Aeronautical Enroute Service and Amendment of
Part 17 Concerning Construction, Marking, and Lighting of Antenna
Structures, WT Docket No. 96-211, Notice of Proposed Rule Making, 11
FCC Rcd 15391 (1996), 61 FR 60673, (November 29, 1996), (Aviation
Safety NPRM).
\2\ Public Law No. 104-121, 110 Stat. 847 (1996) (CWAAA). Title
II of the CWAAA is ``The Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996'' (SBREFA), codified at 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. Need for and Objective of the Proposed Rules
3. Our objective is to improve safety in air navigation by
increasing pilots' access to advisory information, promoting the use of
satellite technology for the precision landing of aircraft and allowing
ground crews to communicate with aircraft on aeronautical enroute
frequencies, and to incorporate by reference two recently revised FAA
Advisory Circulars. The Report and Order in this proceeding modified
the Commission's rules to increase the safety and efficiency of
aircraft navigation and movement of aircraft in and around airports.
4. The public interest is served by modifying our rules to permit
the operation of aeronautical advisory stations (unicoms) in an
unattended, automated mode, allow aeronautical ground stations to
transmit differential GPS augmentation data to aircraft, allow the use
of mobile radios for direct communications between ground service
personnel and flight crews on Aeronautical Enroute Service frequencies
and incorporate, by reference, two FAA Advisory Circulars.
II. Summary of Significant Issues Raised by the Public Comments in
Response to the Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
5. No comments were submitted in direct response to the IRFA. We
have, however, reviewed general comments that may impact small
businesses.
6. Much of the impact will be on small businesses that use,
manufacture, design, import, or sell equipment, and will increase
safety and efficiency at airports by allowing new uses and technologies
for the purpose of communicating important information for flight and
ground safety. Commenters submitted suggestions to improve the
technical and operational criteria of the proposals. This Report and
Order directly benefits small businesses by providing smaller airports
that do not have sufficient resources to staff a unicom station with an
automated and economically viable alternative to provide important
advisory information, providing airports with satellite technology for
the precision landing of aircraft to facilitate approaches and landings
in poor weather conditions, and improving the safe ground operations at
airports and improve the provision of services and supplies to aircraft
on the ground. These actions should increase the safety and efficiency
of aircraft navigation and movement of aircraft in and around airports.
III. Description and Estimate of the Number of Small Entities to
Which the Rules Apply
7. The rules adopted in this Report and Order will affect small
businesses that use, manufacture, design, import, sell, or use aviation
equipment designed for an automated unicom, a GPS augmentation system
operating in the 112-118 MHz band, and mobile radios
[[Page 27473]]
used for direct communications between ground service personnel and
flight crews on Aeronautical Enroute Service frequencies. There are no
Commission-imposed requirements, however, for any entity to use these
products.
Estimates for Unicoms
8. The unicom service provides for air-ground communications
primarily between general aviation aircraft and airport facilities.
Unicom transmissions are limited to the necessities of safe and
expeditious operation of aircraft, including runway conditions, types
of fuel available, wind conditions, weather information, dispatching,
and other necessary safety information. Unicom transmissions may
include, on a secondary basis, communications pertaining to the
efficient portal-to-portal transit of an aircraft, such as available
ground transportation, food, and lodging. Unicoms must provide
impartial information concerning available ground services, and must
provide service to any aircraft station upon request and without
discrimination. For the purpose of determining whether a licensee is a
small business as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA),
each licensee would need to be evaluated within its own business area.
9. Because the Regulatory Flexibility Act amendments were not in
effect until the record in this proceeding was closed, the Commission
was unable to request information regarding the number of small
entities that are unicoms. Therefore, the Commission is unable at this
time to determine the number of small businesses which could be
impacted by the rules. However, the Commission's data indicates that
there were 2775 unicoms licensees operating at the end of October 1996.
Further, because any entity engaged in providing unicom service is
eligible to hold a unicom license, these rules could potentially impact
every small business involved in aviation. Additionally, there are
small businesses that will manufacture, design, import, or sell
equipment. We concluded that these small businesses are classified in
Communications Equipment, N.E.C., (Standard Identification Code 3669)
as entities employing less than 750 employees as defined in 13 CFR
121.201. The size data provided by the SBA shows that 469 firms out of
498 firms in the Communications Equipment, N.E.C. classification have
less than 750 employees but did not enable us to make a meaningful
estimate of the number of potential manufacturers which are small
businesses.3
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ U.S. Small Business Administration 1992 Economic Census
Industry and Enterprise Report, Table 1D, SIC Code 3669, (Bureau of
the Census data adapted by the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small
Business Administration).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimates for Differential GPS
10. Differential GPS is ground reference stations licensed to
private entities using unassigned VOR frequencies in the 112-118 MHz
band to transmit differential GPS augmentation data to aircraft to
improve safety in approach and landing of aircraft. For the purpose of
determining whether a licensee is a small business as defined by the
Small Business Administration (SBA), each licensee would need to be
evaluated within its own business area. Additionally, there are small
businesses that will manufacture, design, import, or sell equipment. We
concluded that these small businesses are classified in Communications
Equipment, N.E.C., (Standard Identification Code 3669) as entities
employing less than 750 employees as defined in 13 CFR 121.201. We
invited comment on whether this is the correct definition to use, but
received no comment on this issue. The size data provided by the SBA
shows that 469 firms out of 498 firms in the Communications Equipment,
N.E.C. classification have less than 750 employees but did not enable
us to make a meaningful estimate of the number of potential GPS
manufacturers which are small businesses.4 However, based on
information from the U.S. GPS Industry Council we estimate that this
would include approximately 110 small businesses that would be affected
by this proposed rule change.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ U.S. Small Business Administration 1992 Economic Census
Industry and Enterprise Report, Table 1D, SIC Code 3669, (Bureau of
the Census data adapted by the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small
Business Administration).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
IV. Description of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping, and Other
Compliance Requirements of the Rules
11. There are several reporting, recordkeeping, and compliance
requirements applicable to the Commission licensees and equipment
manufacturers. These new requirements are necessary to minimize
radiofrequency interference of the equipment, and to specify the
responsibilities in operating unicom.
(1) In order to facilitate operation of aviation equipment, these
rules may have significant economic impact on a substantial number of
small businesses. Prior to marketing aviation equipment in the U.S., a
manufacturer must have the unit type accepted by the Commission under
the technical criteria set forth in the Commission's Rules. In order to
have a unit type accepted, a small entity would have to test the radio
equipment and provide clerical support to file the requisite FCC
application forms. Both of these functions could be handled by a third
party. We estimate that the initial cost to the manufacturer to meet
this requirement, if done by a third party, is $900 to test the
equipment and complete the filing information, and would require the
electronic engineering professional skills. Additionally, there would
be a $425 equipment authorization fee to file the application for type
acceptance. These costs are one time costs to type accept the equipment
and assure that interference to other radio users is minimized.
(2) In order to clarify the responsibilities in operating unicoms,
we require all unicom licensees at airports having more than one unicom
to jointly sign a letter of agreement, prior to the operation of a
unicom in automatic mode at such an airport, stating the name(s) of the
licensee(s) who will control the automatic unicom and, if applicable,
how control of the automatic unicom will be divided. A copy of the
agreement must be kept with each licensee's station authorization. We
estimate that approximately 50 licensees will require 0.7 hours to
prepare and file the agreement required.
V. Steps Taken by Agency To Minimize Significant Economic Impact on
Small Entities Consistent With Stated Objectives
12. The rules would require differential GPS transmitters to be
type accepted in accordance with the technical criteria set forth in
part 87 subpart D of our rules, in lieu of the more exacting
specifications contained in RTCA Document No. DO-217. This flexible
approach promotes technological innovations in differential GPS
equipment so long as such equipment is compatible with the National
Airspace System. Under our present treatment of transmitters operating
in the 108-137 MHz band, the FAA is given a 21-day period to object to
any application for type acceptance that would adversely affect the
performance of the National Airspace System. The rules also take
measures to expedite coordination procedures between applicants, the
FAA, and the Commission concerning the assignment of a frequency and
time slot for differential GPS ground stations. In order to reduce
administrative burdens on both the public and the Commission,
[[Page 27474]]
we permit mobile units in the aeronautical enroute service to operate
under the same authorization and call sign as the associated
aeronautical enroute station. This approach would eliminate the need
for aviation service organizations to submit forms and fees to the
Commission. These decisions benefit small entities and give them an
opportunity to provide recommendations to further improve the impact
and processes.
VI. Report to Congress
13. The Commission shall send a copy of this Final Regulatory
Flexibility Analysis, along with the Report and Order, in a report to
Congress pursuant to the SBREFA.5 A copy of this FRFA will
also be published in the Federal Register.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ See 5. U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ordering Clauses
14. Accordingly, it is ordered that, pursuant to the authority of
Sections 4(i), 303(r), 307(e), and 332(a)(2) of the Communications Act
of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 303(r), 307(e) and 332(a)(2),
parts 80 and 87 of the Commission's Rules, 47 CFR Parts 17 and 87 are
amended as set forth in the Rule Changes, effective May 20, 1999.
15. It is further ordered that these proceedings are terminated.
List of Subjects
47 CFR Part 17
Antenna, Aviation safety, Communications equipment, Incorporation
by reference, Radio.
47 CFR Part 87
Aviation safety, Communications equipment, Radio.
Federal Communications Commission.
Magalie Roman Salas,
Secretary.
Rule Changes
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Federal
Communications Commission amends 47 CFR parts 17 and 87 as follows:
PART 17--CONSTRUCTION, MARKING, AND LIGHTING OF ANTENNA STRUCTURES
1. The authority citation for Part 17 continues to read as follows:
Authority: Secs. 4, 303, 48 Stat. 1066, 1082, as amended; 47
U.S.C. 154, 303. Interpret or apply secs. 301, 309 48 Stat. 1081,
1085 as amended, 47 U.S.C. 301, 309.
2. Section 17.23 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 17.23 Specifications for painting and lighting antenna
structures.
Unless otherwise specified by the Commission, each new or altered
antenna structure to be registered on or after January 1, 1996, must
conform to the FAA's painting and lighting recommendations set forth on
the structure's FAA determination of ``no hazard,'' as referenced in
the following FAA Advisory Circulars: AC 70/7460-1J, ``Obstruction
Marking and Lighting,'' effective January 1, 1996, and AC 150/5345-43E,
``Specification for Obstruction Lighting Equipment,'' dated October 19,
1995. These documents are incorporated by reference in accordance with
5 U.S.C. 552(a). The documents contain FAA recommendations for painting
and lighting structures which pose a potential hazard to air
navigation. For purposes of this part, the specifications, standards,
and general requirements stated in these documents are mandatory. The
Advisory Circulars listed are available for inspection at the
Commission Headquarters in Washington, DC, or may be obtained from
Department of Transportation, Property Use and Storage Section,
Subsequent Distribution Office, M483.6, Ardmore East Business Center,
3341 Q 75th Avenue, Landover, MD 20785, telephone (301) 322-4961,
facsimile (301) 386-5394. Copies are also available for public
inspection at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol
Street, Suite 700, Washington, D.C.
PART 87--AVIATION SERVICES
3. The authority citation for Part 87 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 48 Stat. 1066, 1082, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 154, 303,
307(e) unless otherwise noted. Interpret or apply 48 Stat. 1064-
1068, 1081-1105, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 151-156, 301-609.
4. Section 87.5 is amended by revising the definition of
``automatic weather observation station'' to read as follows:
Sec. 87.5 Definitions.
* * * * *
Automatic weather observation station (AWOS) or automatic surface
observation station (ASOS). A land station located at an airport and
used to automatically transmit weather information to aircraft.
* * * * *
5. Section 87.131 is amended by adding a footnote to Aeronautical
advisory entry and adding to the end of the table, an entry for
Differential GPS to read as follows:
Sec. 87.131 Power and emissions.
* * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authorized emission(s)
Class of station Frequency band/frequency \9\ Maximum power \1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aeronautical advisory.............. VHF........................ A3E 10 watts.\10\
* * * * * *
*
Differential GPS................... VHF........................ G7D Various.\2\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The power is measured at the transmitter output terminals and the type of power is determined according to
the emission designator as follows:
(i) Mean power (pY) for amplitude modulated emissions and transmitting both sidebands using unmodulated full
carrier.
(ii) Peak envelope power (pX) for all emission designators other than those referred to in paragraph (i) of
this note.
\2\ Power and antenna height are restricted to the minimum necessary to achieve the required service.
* * * * * *
*
\9\ Excludes automatic link establishment.
\10\ Power is limited to 0.5 watt, but may not exceed 2 watts when station is used in an automatic unattended
mode.
6. Section 87.133 is amended by adding to the table in paragraph
(a) in the (5) Band-100 to 137 MHz: entry, an entry for Differential
GPS to read as follows:
Sec. 87.133 Frequency stability.
(a) * * *
[[Page 27475]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frequency band (lower limit exclusive,
upper limit inclusive), and categories Tolerance \1\ Tolerance \2\
of stations
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * *
*
(5) Band-100 to 137 MHz:
* * * * * *
*
Differential GPS.................... .............. 2
* * * * * *
*
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ This tolerance is the maximum permitted until January 1, 1990, for
transmitters installed before January 2, 1985, and used at the same
installation. Tolerance is indicated in parts in 10\6\ unless shown as
Hertz (Hz).
\2\ This tolerance is the maximum permitted after January 1, 1985 for
new and replacement transmitters and to all transmitters after January
1, 1990. Tolerance is indicated in parts in 10\6\ unless shown as
Hertz (Hz).
* * * * *
7. Section 87.137 is amended by adding to the table in paragraph
(a) in its alphabetical order, an entry for G7D to read as follows:
Sec. 87.137 Types of emission.
(a) * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authorized bandwidth (kilohertz)
-----------------------------------------------
Class of emission Emission designator Frequency
Below 50 MHz Above 50 MHz deviation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
G7D................................ 14K0G7D.................... .............. 25
* * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Section 87.139 is amended by revising the introductory text in
paragraph (a), and paragraph (j) to read as follows:
Sec. 87.139 Emission limitations.
(a) Except for ELTs and when using single sideband (R3E, H3E, J3E),
or frequency modulation (F9) or digital modulation (F9Y) for telemetry
or telecommand in the frequency bands 1435-1535 MHz and 2310-2390 MHz
or digital modulation (G7D) for differential GPS, the mean power of any
emission must be attenuated below the mean power of the transmitter
(pY) as follows:
* * * * *
(j) When using G7D for differential GPS in the 112-118 MHz band,
the amount of power during transmission under all operating conditions
when measured over a 25 kHz bandwidth centered on either of the second
adjacent channels shall not exceed -25 dBm and shall decrease 5 dB per
octave until -52 dBm.
9. Section 87.171 is amended by adding in its alphabetical order
the symbol and class of station for DGP to read as follows:
Sec. 87.171 Class of station symbols.
* * * * *
DGP--Differential GPS.
* * * * *
10. Section 87.173 is amended by adding in numeric order the
listing 112-118 MHz to read as follows:
Sec. 87.173 Frequencies.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frequency or frequency band Subpart Class of station Remarks
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * *
*
112-118 MHz......................... Q DGP Differential GPS.
* * * * * *
*
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. Section 87.187 is amended by revising paragraph (y)
introductory text and the introductory text of paragraph (y)(4) to read
as follows:
Sec. 87.187 Frequencies.
* * * * *
(y) Brief keyed RF signals (keying the transmitter by momentarily
depressing the microphone ``push-to-talk'' button) may be transmitted
from aircraft for the control of automated unicoms on the unicom
frequencies listed in paragraph (y)(3) of this section, or for the
control of airport lights on the following frequencies:
* * * * *
(4) Aviation support station frequencies listed in Sec. 87.323(b):
* * *
* * * * *
12. A new Sec. 87.219 is added to Subpart G to read as follows:
Sec. 87.219 Automatic operations.
(a) A station operator need not be present when an automated unicom
is in operation.
(b) Unicoms operating in an automated mode must comply with the
requirements of paragraphs (1)-(5) of this section, in addition to the
requirements applicable to non-automated unicom operations.
(1) An automated unicom must transmit only in response to
interrogating signals from aircraft,
[[Page 27476]]
including but not limited to the brief keyed RF signals specified in
Sec. 87.187(y).
(2) An automated unicom must monitor the unicom frequency prior to
transmission, and provide a brief delay between the aircraft's
interrogating signal and the automatic unicom's response.
(3) Automated advisory transmissions must be as brief as possible,
and must never exceed one minute in length.
(4) An automated unicom may not provide weather information at an
airport that has an operational, FAA-certified, automatic weather
facility, unless the unicom itself is certified by the FAA.
(5) If weather information is provided by an automated unicom:
(i) weather sensors must be placed in order to adequately represent
the weather conditions at the airport(s) to be served;
(ii) the weather information must be proceeded by the word
``advisory;''
(iii) the phrase ``automated advisory'' must be included when the
weather information was gathered by real-time sensors or within the
last minute; and,
(iv) the time and date of the last update must be included when the
weather information was not gathered within the last minute.
(c) Only one automated unicom may be operated at an uncontrolled
airport. Prior to the operation of an automated unicom at an airport
with more than one unicom licensee, all of the licensees at that
airport must sign a letter of agreement stating which licensee(s)
control the automated unicom operations, and, if control is to be
shared among several operators, how that control will be divided or
scheduled. The original or a copy of the letter of agreement must be
kept with each licensees' station records. Within 90 days of the date
upon which a new unicom operator is licensed at an airport where more
than one unicom is authorized, and an automated unicom is being
operated, an amended letter of agreement that includes the new
licensee's signature must be signed or automated unicom operations must
cease.
13. Section 87.261 is amended by adding paragraphs (e) and (f) to
read as follows:
Sec. 87.261 Scope of service.
* * * * *
(e) Mobile units may be operated under an aeronautical enroute
station authorization so long as the units are limited to use at an
airport and are only used to communicate with aircraft on the ground or
the associated aeronautical enroute station. Mobile units are further
limited to operation on the VHF frequencies listed in 87.263(a)(1).
(f) Mobile units licensed under paragraph (e) of this section shall
not be operated on air traffic control frequencies, nor cause harmful
interference to, communications on air traffic control frequencies.
14. Section 87.419 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 87.419 Supplemental eligibility.
Only one control tower or RCO will be licensed at an airport.
15. Section 87.475 is amended by adding paragraph (e) to read as
follows:
Sec. 87.475 Frequencies.
* * * * *
(e) Frequencies available for differential GPS stations.
Frequencies in the 112-118 MHz band may be assigned to Special Category
I (SCAT-I) ground stations for differential GPS data links.
(1) The frequencies available are on 25 kHz centers with the lowest
assignable frequency being centered at 112.000 MHz and the highest
assignable frequency being centered at 117.950 MHz.
(2) Applicants must coordinate a frequency, time slot assignment,
and three-letter identifier with the FAA and provide this information
to the Commission upon application.
16. Subpart S is amended by revising the heading to read as
follows:
Subpart S--Automatic Weather Stations (AWOS/ASOS)
17. Section 87.525 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 87.525 Scope of service.
Automatic weather observation stations (AWOS) and automatic surface
observation stations (ASOS) must provide up-to-date weather information
including the time of the latest weather sequence, altimeter setting,
wind speed and direction, dew point, temperature, visibility and other
pertinent data needed at airports having neither a full-time control
tower nor a full-time FAA Flight Service Station. When a licensee has
entered into an agreement with the FAA, an AWOS or an ASOS may also
operate as an automatic terminal information station (ATIS) during the
control tower's operating hours.
18. Section 87.527 is amended by revising paragraphs (b) and (c) to
read as follows:
Sec. 87.527 Supplemental eligibility.
* * * * *
(b) Eligibility for an AWOS, an ASOS, or an ATIS is limited to the
owner or operator of an airport or to a person who has entered into a
written agreement with the owner or operator for exclusive rights to
operate and maintain the station. Where applicable a copy of the
agreement between the applicant and owner or operator of the airport
must be submitted with an application.
(c) Only one AWOS, ASOS, or ATIS will be licensed at an airport.
19. Section 87.529 is amended by revising the fourth and fifth
sentences to read as follows:
Sec. 87.529 Frequencies.
* * * Normally, frequencies available for air traffic control
operations set forth in subpart E will be assigned to an AWOS, ASOS, or
to an ATIS. When a licensee has entered into an agreement with the FAA
to operate the same station as both an AWOS and as an ATIS, or as an
ASOS and an ATIS, the same frequency will be used in both modes of
operation.
[FR Doc. 99-12173 Filed 5-19-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P